Do you have an effective support system?

International speaker Roger Harrop first met with me around 8 years ago, giving up his precious time to help me improve my speaking skills. He took time to meet me at a halfway point in a hotel where we had lunch and he shared great words of wisdom. He didn’t know who I was, but he helped me anyway.
 
We met again last week, and I had the opportunity to thank him for the impact he had on my life. He wasn’t aware of this impact, but I was. He gave me great advice and even sent me his profile page which he used for speaking agencies so I could use it as a template to create my own.
 
He openly shared information, ensuring I had all the details to enhance both my skills and business. Over the next 8 years, with the support of individuals like Roger and others I’ve previously acknowledged, my business underwent significant transformations, reaching its current state.
 
Roger is an award-winning motivational business growth speaker best known for his book ‘Staying in the Helicopter’. He is now 77 years of age and is still speaking internationally. This is extremely inspirational as my dream is to be speaking at the age of 80, so I have 10 years to go!
 
 
Do you have an effective support system?
 
I’m fortunate to have a support network consisting of six individuals who provide encouragement and assistance whenever I require it. During the challenging times of the Covid pandemic, their support was especially crucial, making a significant impact on my well-being.
 
Conversely, I also support several individuals, offering assistance and encouragement in various ways. I firmly believe in the importance of giving back, and I’ve consistently emphasized that true happiness stems from helping others.
 
While it may demand time and effort, what you contribute comes back to you. By extending a helping hand to those around us, we inevitably find ourselves receiving the support we need. In the act of giving, we receive in return. As the Bible puts it ‘Sow and you will reap’.
 
 
Having a strong support system offers numerous benefits, including:
 
Having a good support system of people around you can provide numerous benefits for your mental, emotional, and even physical well-being. Here are some key advantages:
 
Emotional Support: A strong support system can offer emotional assistance during challenging times. Whether you’re dealing with stress, sadness, or anxiety, having friends or family to talk to can help alleviate emotional burdens.
 
Reduced Stress: Knowing that you have people you can rely on can reduce stress levels. When facing difficulties, sharing the load with others can make challenges seem more manageable.
 
Increased Resilience: A supportive network can contribute to increased resilience in the face of adversity. Knowing that you have people to lean on can help you bounce back from setbacks more effectively.
 
Improved Mental Health: Social connections are linked to improved mental health. Regular interaction with supportive individuals can contribute to a positive mindset, reducing the risk of depression and anxiety.
 
Enhanced Self-Esteem: Supportive friends and family can boost your self-esteem by providing encouragement and validation. Feeling valued and accepted contributes to a positive self-image.
 
Practical Assistance: Beyond emotional support, a good support system can provide practical help when needed. This may include assistance with daily tasks, advice, or collaboration on projects.
 
Healthy Coping Mechanisms: Friends and family can influence your coping mechanisms. Positive influences can encourage healthy ways of dealing with stress and challenges.
 
Increased Happiness: Social connections are often associated with increased levels of happiness and life satisfaction. Sharing experiences, joys, and accomplishments with others can amplify positive emotions.
 
Physical Health Benefits: Studies suggest that having a strong social support system may lead to better physical health outcomes. It can positively impact factors like immune function and cardiovascular health.
 
Sense of Belonging: A support system provides a sense of belonging and community. Feeling connected to others fosters a sense of purpose and identity.
 
In summary, a good support system contributes to both emotional and physical well-being, providing a safety net during tough times and enhancing the overall quality of life.
 
 
Thoughts for the week 

1. Do you have any people around you who you can call on for support?
2. Do you tend to just get on with it or do you ask for help when faced with extreme challenges?
3. This week think about all the people you know and see if there is one you can connect with to establish a support collaboration.
4. It is healthy to have a few people in your life who you can connect with and establish a relationship with, not just when you need help.
5. Also, this week think about anyone in your life who may need help and reach out to them. 

 
Well, that’s it for this week. Have a wonderful weekend and keep believing in yourself.
 
Warm regards

John